A culture system

Abstract

This application discloses a culture system relating to the technical field of organoids. The culture system includes: a culture device comprising a first base, a gas guiding assembly, and a first driving mechanism; the first base has a support portion for supporting a culture box, and the gas guiding assembly has a first air port and a second air port connected in communication; the first driving mechanism is mounted on the first base and is used to drive the gas guiding assembly to move, so that the second air port of the gas guiding assembly is connected to or disconnected from the gas path interface of the culture box; an imaging device is positioned along a third direction, opposite to the observation window of the culture box. The culture system, through the arrangement of the culture device, allows for indirect connection or disconnection between the gas path interface of the culture box and the air port of the pressure supply device, making the connection or disconnection between the culture box and the pressure supply device more convenient; furthermore, the culture system, through the inclusion of the imaging device, allows operators to quickly and conveniently observe the organ-on-a-chip within the culture box through the imaging device, simplifying the operation process of organ-on-a-chip observation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of organoids, and more particularly to a culture system. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional preclinical models (including two-dimensional cell models, three-dimensional spherical cells, and various experimental animal models) have limitations in realistically simulating human physiological structures and functions, leading to significant challenges in predicting drug responses. Organ-on-a-chip technology can differentiate cells into organoid-specific cell types, highly mimicking the development of human organs in vitro, and reconstructing the structure of human organs to replace animal models, providing more possibilities for research on human diseases.

[0003] Currently, organ-on-a-chip culture requires a specific carbon dioxide incubator to provide the necessary growth conditions (such as suitable carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity). During organ-on-a-chip culture, microfluidic pressure technology is a crucial element in constructing physiologically relevant models. By precisely controlling parameters such as pressure and flow rate, the complex microenvironment of organs in vivo can be simulated.

[0004] In related technologies, organ-on-a-chip is placed in a culture box for culture. If it is necessary to observe the organ-on-a-chip during the culture process, it needs to be removed. However, this operation stops the culture conditions and affects the culture effect. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, this application provides a culture system to solve the problem of inconvenient organ-on-a-chip observation in related technologies.

[0006] This application provides a culture system, including:

[0007] A culture device includes a first base, an air guiding assembly, and a first driving mechanism; the first base has a support portion for supporting a culture box, and the air guiding assembly has a first air port and a second air port connected in communication; the first driving mechanism is mounted on the first base and is used to drive the air guiding assembly to move so that the second air port of the air guiding assembly is connected to or disconnected from the air passage interface of the culture box.

[0008] An imaging device, along a third direction, is positioned opposite the observation window of the culture chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments, the imaging device includes:

[0010] The second base, wherein the first base is disposed on the second base;

[0011] An imaging module and a second drive mechanism are provided. The second drive mechanism is mounted on the second base and drives the imaging module to move so that the imaging module is opposite the observation window of the culture box in the third direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second drive mechanism includes:

[0013] A first driving component, wherein the imaging module is mounted on the output end of the first driving component, and the first driving component drives the imaging module to move along the third direction;

[0014] A second drive component is provided, wherein the first drive component is installed at the output end of the second drive component, and the second drive component drives the first drive component to move along a second direction;

[0015] A third driving component is mounted on the second base, and the second driving component is mounted on the output end of the third driving component. The third driving component drives the second driving component to move along a first direction; the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first driving component includes:

[0017] The first support platform is installed at the output end of the second drive component;

[0018] The first driving component is mounted on the first support platform, and the imaging module is mounted on the output end of the first driving component;

[0019] And / or, the second driving component includes:

[0020] The second support platform is installed at the output end of the third drive component;

[0021] The second driving component is mounted on the second support platform, and the first driving assembly is mounted on the output end of the second driving component.

[0022] In some embodiments, the third driving component includes:

[0023] The third driving component is installed on the second base, and one side of the second support platform is connected to the output end of the third driving component;

[0024] A sliding seat is installed on the second base, and the other side of the second support platform is slidably connected to the sliding seat along the first direction.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second base includes:

[0026] The second lower support platform, and the second drive mechanism is mounted on the second lower support platform;

[0027] The second upper support platform is located along the third direction, the second lower support platform and the second upper support platform are opposite each other, and the first base is disposed on the second upper support platform;

[0028] The support column is located between the second lower support platform and the second upper support platform, and is connected to the second lower support platform and the second upper support platform.

[0029] In some embodiments, the support portion has a first observation port that exposes the observation window, the second base has a second observation port, the first observation port and the second observation port are opposite to each other along the third direction, and the imaging module is opposite to the second observation port.

[0030] In some embodiments, the second base has a second groove arranged along a first direction, the second observation port is disposed on the bottom wall of the second groove, and the first base is slidably disposed in the second groove along the first direction.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first base includes a support frame, the support frame comprising:

[0032] The frame, on which the first drive mechanism is mounted;

[0033] The bracket, having the supporting part, is disposed on the frame; the first observation port includes a third observation port opened on the frame and a fourth observation port opened on the bracket, and the third observation port and the fourth observation port are opposite to each other along the third direction.

[0034] In some embodiments, the frame has a first slide groove arranged along a first direction, the third observation port is disposed on the bottom wall of the first slide groove, the bracket is slidably disposed in the first slide groove along the first direction, and the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular.

[0035] This application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0036] The culture system, through its design, allows for indirect connection or disconnection between the gas interface of the culture chamber and the gas port of the pressure supply device. This eliminates the need for manual connection or disconnection of the culture chamber and pressure supply device, making the connection and disconnection more convenient and reducing the risk of organ-on-a-chip contamination within the culture chamber. Furthermore, the system incorporates an imaging device, allowing operators to observe the organ-on-a-chip within the culture chamber directly through the imaging device. This eliminates the need to remove the organ-on-a-chip from the culture chamber or move the culture chamber to the microscope, simplifying the observation process. Researchers can quickly and conveniently acquire images of the organ-on-a-chip using the imaging device. The culture system integrates multiple functions for organ-on-a-chip culture and observation, making it more convenient for researchers to use. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the culture system in one or more embodiments of this application. Figure 1 .

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the culture device after a culture box is set on it in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the culture device in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0041] Figure 4 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the culture device in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the culture box in one or more embodiments of this application. Figure 1 .

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the culture box in one or more embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gas guiding component of the culture device in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving component of the culture device in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0046] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the driving components of the culture apparatus in one or more embodiments of this application. Figure 1 .

[0047] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the driving components of the culture apparatus in one or more embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .

[0048] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the culture system in one or more embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging device in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0050] Figure 13 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the imaging device in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0051] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the culture system in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0053] 2000-Cultural box, 2000a-Gas interface, 2000b-Observation window, 1000-Cultural system, 100-Cultural device, 110-First base, 110a-Bearing part, 110b-First observation port, 120-Support frame, 121-Frame body, 121a-First sliding groove, 121b-Third observation port, 1211-First upper bearing platform, 1212-First support frame, 1213-First lower bearing platform, 122-Bracket, 1221-Handle, 122a-Fourth observation port, 130-Guide rod, 140-Gas guiding assembly, 140a-First air inlet, 140b-Second air inlet, 141-Gas guiding component, 142-Connector, 142a-Sliding hole, 143-Force-bearing component, 1431-Force-bearing part, 1432-Force-transmitting part 150-First drive mechanism, 160-Reset component, 170-Drive assembly, 171-Driving component, 1711-Output shaft, 172-Swing assembly, 1721-Swing arm, 1722-Rotating wheel, 173-Output component, 174-Support, 200-Imaging device, 210-Second base, 210a-Second observation port, 210b-Second slide, 211-Second lower support platform, 212-Second upper support platform, 213-Support column, 220-Imaging module, 230-Second drive mechanism, 240-First drive assembly, 241-First support platform, 242-First drive component, 250-Second drive assembly, 251-Second support platform, 252-Second drive component, 260-Third drive assembly, 261-Third drive component, 262-Sliding seat. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0057] The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” (if any) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or display that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or display.

[0059] During organ-on-a-chip culture, it is necessary to regularly observe the growth status of cells in the organ-on-a-chip using instruments such as microscopes to obtain indicators such as cell morphology, proliferation rate, and degree of differentiation, so as to provide a basis for subsequent experimental analysis and protocol adjustments.

[0060] In most related technologies, culture boxes do not have observation windows. When observing organ-on-a-chip (OA-C) arrays, the OA-C must be removed from the culture box and placed on the microscope stage. This process interrupts the culture, affecting cell culture results, and the procedure for observing OA-C is complex and inconvenient. A few culture boxes have observation windows, through which the OA-C is visible, but the culture box still needs to be moved next to the microscope, or vice versa. The procedure for observing OA-C remains complex and inconvenient.

[0061] In view of this, the inventors designed a culture system 1000. By setting up a culture device 100 and an imaging device 200, the culture system 1000 allows the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 to be indirectly connected or disconnected from the gas port of the pressure supply device. This makes it more convenient to connect or disconnect the culture box 2000 and the pressure supply device. Researchers can quickly and conveniently obtain image information of organ-on-a-chip through the imaging device 200, thus improving the efficiency of organ-on-a-chip observation.

[0062] The culture system 1000 provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] In the attached diagram, X represents the first direction, Y represents the second direction, and Z represents the third direction. The first, second, and third directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0064] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the culture system 1000 includes a culture device 100 and an imaging device 200. The culture device 100 includes a first base 110, a gas guiding assembly 140, and a first drive mechanism 150. The first base 110 has a support portion 110a for supporting the culture container 2000, and the gas guiding assembly 140 has a first air port 140a and a second air port 140b communicating with each other. The first drive mechanism 150 is mounted on the first base 110 and is used to drive the gas guiding assembly 140 to move, so that the first air port 140a of the gas guiding assembly 140 is connected to or disconnected from the gas passage interface 2000a of the culture container 2000. Along a third direction, the imaging device 200 is opposite to the observation window 2000b of the culture container 2000.

[0065] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the culture box 2000 is used to culture organ-on-a-chip, and the culture box 2000 has an observation window 2000b. The organ-on-a-chip is placed in the culture box 2000 for culture, and the internal organ-on-a-chip can be seen through the observation window 2000b of the culture box 2000. The structure of the culture box 2000 is known to those skilled in the art, and the culture box 2000 can be purchased commercially, and is not limited in this application.

[0066] The culture chamber 2000 typically has multiple gas ports 2000a, which need to be connected to the gas ports of a pressure supply device. The pressure supply device provides pressure to the organ-on-a-chip within the culture chamber 2000; some gas ports of the pressure supply device output positive pressure, while others output negative pressure. Some gas ports 2000a connect to the negative pressure ports of the pressure supply device. Negative pressure can be used to simulate the inhalation and exhalation processes of the lungs; for example, in a lung-on-a-chip, negative pressure can cause changes in the volume of the air chambers to simulate respiratory movements. Negative pressure can also be used to precisely control the direction and speed of fluid flow; for example, in a microfluidic chip, negative pressure can be used to attract culture medium or cell suspensions. Some gas ports 2000a connect to the positive pressure ports of the pressure supply device. Positive pressure can be used to drive the flow of culture medium or gas in microfluidic channels, ensuring uniform distribution of nutrients and gases. Positive pressure can also be used to simulate blood flow or respiratory movements; for example, in a lung-on-a-chip, positive pressure can drive gas flow to simulate the respiratory process.

[0067] The structure of pressure supply devices is also diverse and is known to those skilled in the art. Pressure supply devices may include structures such as gas cylinders, connecting pipes, proportional valves, pressure gauges, and air pumps, and are not limited in this application.

[0068] It should be noted that the gas guiding assembly 140 has multiple first gas ports 140a and multiple second gas ports 140b. Some of the first gas ports 140a of the gas guiding assembly 140 are used to connect with the negative pressure output port of the pressure supply device, and the second gas ports 140b connected to these first gas ports 140a output negative pressure; other first gas ports 140a are used to connect with the positive pressure output port of the pressure supply device, and the second gas ports 140b connected to these first gas ports 140a output positive pressure. The multiple second gas ports 140b on the gas guiding assembly 140 are configured one-to-one with the multiple gas path interfaces 2000a on the culture box 2000.

[0069] The first base 110 serves as the mounting foundation for the first drive mechanism 150, supporting the first drive mechanism 150. The structure of the first drive mechanism 150 is diverse, and can be a robotic arm, cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, linear motor, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0070] The first driving mechanism 150 drives the gas guiding assembly 140 to move. Under the action of the first driving mechanism 150, the second air port 140b of the gas guiding assembly 140 can be connected to the air passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000, thereby indirectly connecting the air passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 and the air port of the pressure supply device. Under the action of the first driving mechanism 150, the second air port 140b of the gas guiding assembly 140 can also be disconnected from the air passage interface 2000a on the culture box 2000, thereby disconnecting the air passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 from the air port of the pressure supply device.

[0071] The culture system 1000 drives the gas delivery component 140 to move via the first drive mechanism 150, so that the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 is connected or disconnected from the second gas port 140b of the gas delivery component 140. With this design, it is not necessary to manually connect or disconnect the culture box 2000 and the pressure supply device, making it more convenient to connect or disconnect the culture box 2000 and the pressure supply device, and also reducing the risk of organ-on-a-chip contamination in the culture box 2000.

[0072] The imaging device 200 can be a microscope, a digital camera, a microscopic imaging system, etc., and is not limited thereto in this application. The structures of microscopes and digital cameras are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The microscopic imaging system combines microscopy and digital imaging technology, converting the images observed under the microscope into digital signals through an image sensor, and then displaying and storing them in real time. Its structure is also known to those skilled in the art.

[0073] The observation windows 2000b of the imaging device 200 and the culture box 2000 are opposite each other. The observation window 2000b is not obstructed by the culture system 1000 or any other components outside the culture system 1000. The imaging device 200 can observe the organ-on-a-chip inside the culture box 2000 through the observation window. This design eliminates the need to remove the organ-on-a-chip from the culture box 2000, and also eliminates the need to laboriously move the culture box 2000 to the microscope or move the microscope to the culture box 2000, simplifying the organ-on-a-chip observation process. Researchers can quickly and conveniently acquire image information of the organ-on-a-chip using the imaging device 200, improving the efficiency of organ-on-a-chip observation and helping to advance research work efficiently.

[0074] In summary, the culture system 1000 of this application, through the configuration of the culture device 100, allows the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 to be indirectly connected or disconnected from the gas port of the pressure supply device, eliminating the need for manual connection or disconnection between the culture box 2000 and the pressure supply device. This makes connection or disconnection between the culture box 2000 and the pressure supply device more convenient and reduces the risk of organ-on-a-chip contamination within the culture box 2000. Furthermore, the imaging device 200 allows operators to observe the organ-on-a-chip within the culture box 2000 directly through the imaging device 2000, without needing to remove the organ-on-a-chip from the culture box 2000 or laboriously move the culture box 2000 to the microscope or vice versa, simplifying the organ-on-a-chip observation process. Researchers can quickly and conveniently acquire image information of the organ-on-a-chip through the imaging device 200. The culture system 1000 integrates multiple functions for organ-on-a-chip culture and observation, making it more convenient for researchers to use.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the first drive mechanism 150 includes a reset member 160 and a drive assembly 170. Along a third direction, the air guide assembly 140 and the support portion 110a are disposed opposite to each other, and the air guide assembly 140 is slidably connected to the first base 110 along the third direction; the reset member 160 acts on the air guide assembly 140 and the first base 110, applying a force to the air guide assembly 140 to move it away from the support portion 110a; the drive assembly 170 is mounted on the first base 110, and the output end of the drive assembly 170 acts on the air guide assembly 140, driving the air guide assembly 140 to move towards the support portion 110a, so that the second air port 140b communicates with the air passage interface 2000a.

[0076] The first base 110 supports the drive assembly 170 and provides guidance for the gas guide assembly 140. It should be noted that, along a third direction, the second air port 140b of the gas guide assembly 140 is opposite to the gas passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000. Under the cooperative action of the reset member 160 and the drive assembly 170, the gas guide assembly 140 can move downwards along a third direction, connecting the second air port 140b of the gas guide assembly 140 to the gas passage interface 2000a on the culture box 2000, thereby indirectly connecting the gas passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 and the air port of the pressure supply device. Under the cooperative action of the reset member 160 and the drive assembly 170, the gas guide assembly 140 can also move upwards along a third direction, disconnecting the second air port 140b of the gas guide assembly 140 from the gas passage interface 2000a on the culture box 2000, thereby disconnecting the gas passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 from the air port of the pressure supply device.

[0077] Specifically, one side of the reset member 160 acts on the gas guiding assembly 140, and the other side acts on the first base 110. The reset member 160 applies a force to the gas guiding assembly 140 away from the supporting part 110a, causing the gas guiding assembly 140 to move upward in a third direction, moving the gas guiding assembly 140 away from the culture box 2000, so that the second air port 140b of the gas guiding assembly 140 is disconnected from the air passage interface 2000a on the culture box 2000. The reset member 160 can be a spring, rubber band, rubber block, etc., and is not limited in this application.

[0078] Specifically, the drive assembly 170 drives the air guide assembly 140 to move towards the support portion 110a, that is, drives the air guide assembly 140 to move downward in a third direction, so that the air guide assembly 140 approaches the culture box 2000, so that the second air port 140b of the air guide assembly 140 and the air passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 are connected. The drive assembly 170 can be a cylinder, a linear motor, a hydraulic cylinder, etc., and is not limited in this application. If the drive assembly 170 is a cylinder, the output end is the piston rod of the cylinder; similarly, if the drive assembly 170 is a hydraulic cylinder, the output end is the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. If the drive assembly 170 is a linear motor, the output end is the slider of the linear motor.

[0079] When the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 needs to connect with the second gas port 140b of the gas guiding component 140, the drive component 170 applies force to the gas guiding component 140, causing the gas guiding component 140 to move downward along a third direction until the second gas port 140b of the gas guiding component 140 and the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 are connected. During the downward movement of the gas guiding component 140 along the third direction, the reset member 160 deforms and stores force, and the gas guiding component 140 needs to overcome the force of the reset member 160. When the second gas port 140b of the gas guiding component 140 and the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 are connected, the drive component 170 still needs to apply a certain amount of force to the gas guiding component 140. This force is greater than or equal to the force applied by the reset member 160 to the gas guiding component 140, so that the gas guiding component 140 can remain in the position where the second gas port 140b and the gas interface 2000a are connected.

[0080] When the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 needs to be disconnected from the second gas port 140b of the gas guide assembly 140, the drive assembly 170 stops applying force to the gas guide assembly 140, or the force applied by the drive mechanism to the gas guide assembly 140 is less than the force applied by the reset member 160 to the gas guide assembly 140, the reset member 160 will push the gas guide assembly 140 to move upward in a third direction, so that the second gas port 140b of the gas guide assembly 140 and the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 are disconnected.

[0081] The culture device 100 drives the gas guiding assembly 140 towards the culture box 2000 via the drive assembly 170, thereby connecting the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 with the second gas port 140b of the gas guiding assembly 140, and indirectly connecting the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 with the gas port of the pressure supply device. When the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 is not connected to the gas port of the pressure supply device, the reset member 160 pushes the gas guiding assembly 140 away from the culture box 2000, thereby disconnecting the second gas port 140b of the gas guiding assembly 140 from the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000, and thus disconnecting the gas interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 from the gas port of the pressure supply device.

[0082] In some embodiments, when the second air port 140b of the air guide assembly 140 is connected to the air passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000, the air guide assembly 140 applies a downward force along the third direction to the culture box 2000 to compress the culture box 2000, thereby enhancing the stability of the culture box 2000 and reducing environmental interference.

[0083] In some embodiments, the gas guiding assembly 140 has a plurality of sealing rings (not shown in the figure) on its end face facing the culture box 2000. The number of sealing rings is the same as the number of second air ports 140b. The sealing rings and second air ports 140b are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and the second air ports 140b are located inside the sealing rings. With this design, when the second air port 140b of the gas guiding assembly 140 is connected to the gas passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000, the sealing ring is located between the gas guiding assembly 140 and the culture box 2000. The gas guiding assembly 140 and the culture box 2000 clamp the sealing ring, and the sealing ring seals the gap around the second air port 140b, preventing gas from escaping from the gap between the gas guiding assembly 140 and the culture box 2000.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the first base 110 includes a support frame 120 and a guide rod 130. The support frame 120 has a load-bearing portion 110a, and a drive assembly 170 is mounted on the support frame 120; the guide rod 130 is connected to the support frame 120 and is arranged in a third direction, and an air guide assembly 140 is slidably connected to the guide rod 130 in a third direction.

[0085] The first base 110 is slidably connected to the air guiding assembly 140 along a third direction via a guide rod 130. The guide rod 130 is fixedly connected to the support frame 120. The fixed connection can be made in various ways, such as welding, snap-fitting, or bolting. The first base 110 includes two parts: the support frame 120 and the guide rod 130, which allows the support frame 120 and the guide rod 130 to be processed separately and then assembled to form the first base 110, thus facilitating the processing of the first base 110.

[0086] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the air guiding assembly 140 includes an air guiding member 141 and a connecting member 142. The air guiding member 141 has a first air port 140a and a second air port 140b, and the air guiding member 141 and the supporting part 110a are disposed opposite to each other along a third direction; the connecting member 142 is connected to the air guiding member 141, and the connecting member 142 has a sliding hole 142a disposed along a third direction, and the connecting member 142 is slidably sleeved on the outside of the guide rod 130 through the sliding hole 142a.

[0087] The connector 142 and the air guide 141 are fixedly connected. The shape and size of the cross-section of the sliding hole 142a must be adapted to the shape and size of the cross-section of the guide rod 130, so that the connector 142 can be sleeved on the outside of the guide rod 130 through the sliding hole 142a, and the connector 142 can slide up and down along the guide rod 130 in a third direction. The output end of the reset member 160 can act on the air guide 141 or the connector 142, which is not limited in this application. The air guide assembly 140 includes two parts: the air guide 141 and the connector 142, so that the air guide 141 and the connector 142 can be processed separately and then assembled to form the air guide assembly 140, which facilitates the processing of the air guide assembly 140.

[0088] In some embodiments, the cross-sections of the sliding hole 142a and the guide rod 130 are both circular. The inner diameter of the sliding hole 142a is smaller than the outer diameter of the guide rod 130. The inner wall of the sliding hole 142a and the outer wall of the guide rod 130 are clearance-fitted to ensure that the guide rod 130 can be located inside the sliding hole 142a, and the connector 142 can slide up and down along the guide rod 130 in a third direction.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first base 110 includes a plurality of guide rods 130 spaced apart, and the air guiding assembly 140 includes a plurality of connectors 142, the number of connectors 142 being the same as the number of guide rods 130, and the connectors 142 being configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the guide rods 130.

[0090] Each connector 142 slides on its corresponding guide rod 130. This design helps to reduce the swaying or offset of the air guide assembly 140 during the sliding process and improves the stability of the air guide assembly 140 during sliding.

[0091] In some embodiments, a connector 142 is provided at each end of the air guide 141 along the first direction.

[0092] In some embodiments, the culture device 100 is provided with two gas guiding components 140, which are spaced apart along a second direction.

[0093] In some embodiments, the reset member 160 is sleeved outside the guide rod 130, and the two ends of the reset member 160 act on the connector 142 and the support frame 120 respectively.

[0094] The reset member 160 is located between the connector 142 and the support frame 120. One end of the reset member 160 contacts the connector 142, and the other end contacts the support frame 120. The reset member 160 is sleeved on the guide rod 130, which provides limiting and guiding for the reset member 160, preventing lateral displacement or shaking when subjected to force, and ensuring that the air guide assembly 140 can move upward in a third direction.

[0095] In some embodiments, the reset member 160 is a spring, which is in a compressed state and runs along a third direction. The upper end of the spring abuts against the connector 142, and the lower end abuts against the support frame 120.

[0096] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the air guide assembly 140 further includes a force-receiving member 143, which is connected to the air guide assembly 141. Along a third direction, the force-receiving member 143 is disposed on the side of the air guide assembly 141 away from the bearing portion 110a, and the output end of the drive assembly 170 acts on the force-receiving member 143.

[0097] The force-receiving component 143 is fixedly connected to the air guide component 141. The output end of the drive assembly 170 acts on the force-receiving component 143, pushing the force-receiving component 143 to move downward in a third direction, and the force-receiving component 143 drives the air guide component 141 to move downward in a third direction. The output end of the drive assembly 170 acts on the force-receiving component 143, avoiding direct contact with the air guide component 141, which helps to prevent the drive assembly 170 from damaging the air guide component 141.

[0098] In some embodiments, along the first direction, each end of the air guide 141 is provided with a connector 142, and along the third direction, both the connector 142 and the force-bearing member 143 are located above the air guide 141, and the force-bearing member 143 is located between the two connectors 142.

[0099] The force-bearing component 143 can be provided in one or more ways, and no limitation is made in this application. In some embodiments, a force-bearing component 143 is provided, and the force-bearing component 143 is located in the middle of the air guide component 141 along the first direction.

[0100] In some embodiments, the force-receiving member 143 includes a force-receiving part 1431 and a force-transmitting part 1432. The force-transmitting part 1432 is arranged along a third direction. Along the third direction, the lower end of the force-transmitting part 1432 is connected to the air guide member 141, and the upper end is connected to the force-receiving part. The force-transmitting part 1432 is in the shape of a round rod, and the force-receiving part 1431 is in the shape of a disc. The output end of the drive assembly 170 acts on the force-receiving part 1431.

[0101] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive assembly 170 includes: a support 174, a drive member 171, a swing assembly 172, and an output member 173. The support 174 is mounted on the support frame 120; the drive member 171 is mounted on the support 174; the swing assembly 172 has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the output shaft 1711 of the drive member 171; the output member 173 is slidably connected to the support 174 along a first direction, and the output member 173 is located between the swing assembly 172 and the force-receiving member 143, the second end of the swing assembly 172 acts on the output member 173, and the output member 173 acts on the force-receiving member 143.

[0102] The support 174 serves as the mounting base for the drive component 171 and the output component 173. The support 174 supports the drive component 171 and provides guidance for the output component 173. The structure of the support 174 is varied and is not limited in this application. The first end of the swing assembly 172 is fixedly connected to the output shaft 1711 of the drive component 171. The output shaft 1711 of the drive component 171 drives the swing assembly 172 to swing towards or away from the output component 173.

[0103] When the swing assembly 172 swings toward the output component 173, the second end of the swing assembly 172 abuts against the output component 173 and drives the output component 173 to move downward along a third direction. The output component 173 drives the force-receiving component 143 to move downward along a third direction, so that the entire gas guiding assembly 140 moves downward along a third direction, thereby connecting the second air port 140b of the gas guiding assembly 140 with the gas passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000. When the second air port 140b of the gas guiding assembly 140 is connected to the gas passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000, the drive component 171 stops rotating, and the output shaft 1711 of the drive component 171 remains in the stopped position, so that the swing assembly 172 remains in the stopped position of the drive component 171, thereby enabling the gas guiding device 140 of the gas guiding assembly to remain in the position when the second air port 140b and the gas passage interface 2000a are connected.

[0104] When the swing assembly 172 swings away from the output component 173, the gas guiding assembly 140 moves upward in the first direction under the force of the reset component 160, thereby disconnecting the second air port 140b of the gas guiding assembly 140 from the air passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000. During the upward movement of the gas guiding assembly 140 in the first direction, the force-receiving component 143 pushes the output component 173 upward in the third direction, thereby resetting the output component 173.

[0105] The drive unit 171 can be a stepper motor with a brake. When the power is off, the output shaft of this type of motor is locked by the brake device and will not rotate due to external force.

[0106] In some embodiments, the output shaft of the drive member 171 is perpendicular to a third direction.

[0107] In some embodiments, the output shaft of the drive member 171 is arranged along a first direction.

[0108] In some embodiments, the oscillating assembly 172 includes a swing arm 1721 and a rotating wheel 1722. One end of the swing arm 1721 is connected to the output shaft 1711 of the drive member 171; the rotating wheel 1722 is rotatably connected to the other end of the swing arm 1721, and the rotating wheel 1722 acts on the output member 173.

[0109] In these embodiments, the end of the swing arm 1721 connected to the output shaft 1711 is the first end of the swing assembly 172, and the rotating wheel 1722 is the second end of the swing assembly 172. It should be noted that the swing arm 1721 and the output shaft 1711 are set at an angle, such as an obtuse angle, an acute angle, or a right angle. The swing arm 1721 and the output shaft 1711 are fixedly connected. The output shaft 1711 drives the swing arm 1721 to rotate, and the swing arm 1721 drives the rotating wheel 1722 to rotate around the output shaft 1711. The rotating wheel 1722 pushes the output component 173 downwards in a first direction. During the process of the rotating wheel 1722 pushing the output component 173, the rotating wheel 1722 rotates on its own axis, and the circumferential surface of the rotating wheel 1722 makes rolling contact with the output component 173, resulting in less friction and improving the stability of the output component 173.

[0110] In some embodiments, the swing arm 1721 is perpendicular to the output shaft 1711, and the axis of rotation of the wheel 1722 is parallel to the output shaft 1711.

[0111] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the support frame 120 includes a frame body 121 and a bracket 122. The frame body 121 has a first slide groove 121a arranged along a first direction, a guide rod 130 is connected to the frame body 121, and a drive assembly 170 is mounted on the frame body 121; the bracket 122 has a plurality of bearing portions 110a, and the bracket 122 is slidably disposed in the first slide groove 121a along the first direction, with the third direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0112] The bracket 122 is provided with multiple support parts 110a, and the bracket 122 can support multiple culture boxes 2000 simultaneously. The first sliding groove 121a provided on the frame 121 provides sliding space for the bracket 122 and plays a guiding role. In actual operation, multiple culture boxes 2000 are simply placed on the bracket 122 in sequence, and then the bracket 122 is pushed into the first sliding groove 121a in the first direction to complete the installation of multiple culture boxes 2000; when it is necessary to remove the culture boxes 2000, simply pull the bracket 122 out of the first sliding groove 121a to easily remove multiple culture boxes 2000, which facilitates the installation and removal of multiple culture boxes 2000 and improves the convenience of operation.

[0113] In some embodiments, a plurality of support portions 110a on the bracket 122 are spaced apart along a first direction.

[0114] In some embodiments, the frame 121 includes a first upper support platform 1211, a first support frame 1212, and a first lower support platform 1213. Along a third direction, the first upper support platform 1211 and the first lower support platform 1213 are disposed opposite to each other, and the first support frame 1212 is disposed between the first upper support platform 1211 and the first lower support platform 1213, connecting the two platforms. In these embodiments, the first lower support platform 1213 has a first sliding groove 121a, a guide rod 130 is connected to the first support frame 1212, an air guiding assembly 140 is located between the first upper support platform 1211 and the first lower support platform 1213, and a drive assembly 170 is mounted above the first upper support platform 1211.

[0115] In some embodiments, two first support frames 120 are provided, and the two first support frames 120 are spaced apart along a first direction.

[0116] In some embodiments, the culture apparatus 100 has two brackets 122, which are spaced apart along a second direction. A first lower support platform 1213 has two first sliding grooves 121a, which are spaced apart along the second direction. The brackets 122 and the first sliding grooves 121a are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each bracket 122 is provided with four support portions 110a.

[0117] like Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the imaging device 200 includes a second base 210, an imaging module 220, and a second drive mechanism 230. The first base 110 is disposed on the second base 210; the second drive mechanism 230 is mounted on the second base 210 and drives the imaging module 220 to move so that the imaging module 220 is opposite to the observation window 2000b of the culture box 2000 in a third direction.

[0118] The second base 210 supports the first base 110 and the second drive mechanism 230 located thereon. In these embodiments, the imaging module 220 can be a microscope, digital camera, microscopic imaging system, etc., and is not limited in this application. The second drive mechanism 230 can be driven by various methods, such as motor drive, pneumatic drive, etc. Under the drive of the second drive mechanism 230, the imaging module 220 can move. This design can, on the one hand, cope with the placement deviation of the culture box 2000. In actual operation, the placement of the culture box 2000 may be misaligned, causing the observation window 2000b to not correspond to the position of the imaging module 220. The second drive mechanism 230 can drive the imaging module 220 to make fine adjustments so that the imaging module 220 is aligned with the observation window 2000b, ensuring accurate and stable imaging. On the other hand, it can meet the needs of multi-area observation. There are often multiple areas to be observed in the culture box 2000. For example, in organ-on-a-chip culture, different types of cells or tissues at different growth stages may be cultured in different locations. The second driving mechanism 230 drives the imaging module 220 to move sequentially to each observation area, opposite the corresponding observation window 2000b, to achieve imaging one by one, and to acquire images of cell morphology, growth status and other features in each area, providing comprehensive data for scientific research.

[0119] In some embodiments, the second driving mechanism 230 includes a first driving component 240, a second driving component 250, and a third driving component 260. An imaging module 220 is mounted on the output end of the first driving component 240, and the first driving component 240 drives the imaging module 220 to move along a third direction. The first driving component 240 is mounted on the output end of the second driving component 250, and the second driving component 250 drives the first driving component 240 to move along a second direction. The third driving component 260 is mounted on the second base 210, and the second driving component 250 is mounted on the output end of the third driving component 260, and the third driving component 260 drives the second driving component 250 to move along a first direction.

[0120] The first driving component 240 is mounted at the output end of the second driving component 250, and the second driving component 250 drives the first driving component 240 to move in the second direction, thus enabling the imaging module 220 on the first driving component 240 to move in the second direction. Similarly, the second driving component 250 is mounted at the output end of the third driving component 260. When the third driving component 260 drives the second driving component 250 to move in the first direction, it drives the first driving component 240 and the imaging module 220 on the first driving component 240 to move in the first direction. The first driving component 240 can then drive the imaging module 220 to move in the third direction.

[0121] With this design, controlling the first drive component 240 adjusts the position of the imaging module 220 in a third direction; controlling the second drive component 250 adjusts the position of the imaging module 220 in a second direction; and controlling the third drive component 260 controls the position of the imaging module 220 in the first direction. This design allows the imaging module 220 to move in only one direction or simultaneously in multiple directions, resulting in higher position adjustment efficiency. It also shortens the alignment time between the imaging module 220 and the observation window 2000b of the culture chamber 2000, thus improving the observation efficiency of organ-on-a-chip.

[0122] In some embodiments, the culture apparatus 100 can support multiple culture boxes 2000, which are spaced apart along a first direction and also spaced apart along a second direction. In these embodiments, the imaging module 220 can be positioned sequentially opposite the observation window 2000b of each culture box 2000 by controlling the operation of the second driving component 250 and the third driving component 260, so as to observe the organ-on-a-chip in each culture box 2000. The spacing between the imaging module 220 and the organ-on-a-chip in the culture box 2000 can be adjusted by controlling the operation of the first driving component 240, so that the organ-on-a-chip can be clearly observed.

[0123] like Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the first driving assembly 240 includes a first support platform 241 and a first driving member 242. The first support platform 241 is mounted on the output end of the second driving assembly 250. The first driving member 242 is mounted on the first support platform 241, and the imaging module 220 is mounted on the output end of the first driving member 242.

[0124] A first support platform 241 supports a first driving component 242. The first driving component 242 drives the imaging module 220 to move along a third direction. The first support platform 241 is fixedly connected to the output end of the second driving assembly 250. The first driving component 242 can be a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, etc. If the first driving component 242 is a cylinder, its output end is the piston rod of the cylinder; similarly, if the first driving component 242 is a hydraulic cylinder, its output end is the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. If the first driving component 242 is a linear motor, its output end is the slider of the linear motor.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second drive assembly 250 includes a second support platform 251 and a second drive member 252. The second support platform 251 is mounted on the output end of the third drive assembly 260; the second drive member 252 is mounted on the second support platform 251, and the first drive assembly 240 is mounted on the output end of the second drive member 252.

[0126] The second support platform 251 supports the second driving member 252 thereon. The second driving member 252 drives the first driving assembly 240 to move along the second direction. The second support platform 251 is fixedly connected to the output end of the third driving assembly 260. The second driving member 252 can be a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, etc., and is not limited in this application. If the second driving member 252 is a cylinder, the output end of the second driving member 252 is the piston rod of the cylinder; similarly, if the second driving member 252 is a hydraulic cylinder, the output end of the second driving member 252 is the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. If the second driving member 252 is a linear motor, the output end of the second driving member 252 is the slider of the linear motor.

[0127] In an embodiment where the first drive assembly 240 includes a first support platform 241 and a first drive member 242, the first support platform 241 is fixedly connected to the output end of the second drive member 252.

[0128] In some embodiments, the third drive assembly 260 includes a third drive member 261 and a sliding seat 262. The third drive member 261 is mounted on the second base 210, and one side of the second support platform 251 is connected to the output end of the third drive member 261; the sliding seat 262 is mounted on the second base 210, and the other side of the second support platform 251 is slidably connected to the sliding seat 262 along a first direction.

[0129] Both the sliding seat 262 and the third driving member 261 are fixedly connected to the second base 210, and the second support platform 251 is fixedly connected to the output end of the third driving member 261. The third driving member 261 drives the second support platform 251 to move along a first direction. The sliding seat 262 provides guidance for the second support platform 251, enabling the second support platform 251 to slide accurately along a second direction, thereby improving the stability of the second support platform 251 moving along the second direction. The third driving member 261 can be a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, etc., and is not limited in this application. If the third driving member 261 is a cylinder, the output end of the third driving member 261 is the piston rod of the cylinder; similarly, if the third driving member 261 is a hydraulic cylinder, the output end of the third driving member 261 is the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. If the third driving member 261 is a linear motor, the output end of the third driving member 261 is the slider of the linear motor.

[0130] like Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the second base 210 includes a second lower support platform 211, a second upper support platform 212, and a support column 213. A second drive mechanism 230 is mounted on the second lower support platform 211; along a third direction, the second lower support platform 211 and the second upper support platform 212 are opposite each other, and a first base 110 is disposed on the second upper support platform 212; the support column 213 is disposed between the second lower support platform 211 and the second upper support platform 212, connecting the second lower support platform 211 and the second upper support platform 212.

[0131] The second lower support platform 211 supports the second drive mechanism 230, and the support column 213 supports the second upper support platform 212. One or more support columns 213 can be provided, and no limitation is made here.

[0132] In some embodiments, both the sliding seat 262 and the third drive member 261 are fixedly connected to the second lower support platform 211.

[0133] In some embodiments, the second lower support platform 211 and the second upper support platform 212 are both rectangular plates, and are provided with four support columns 213, which are respectively located at the four corners of the second lower support platform 211.

[0134] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the support portion 110a has a first observation port 110b that exposes the observation window 2000b, and the second base 210 has a second observation port 210a. Along a third direction, the first observation port 110b and the second observation port 210a are opposite to each other, and the imaging module 220 is opposite to the second observation port 210a. With this design, the observation window 2000b is exposed to the outside through the first observation port 110b and the second observation port 210a, which facilitates observation by the imaging module 220.

[0135] like Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the second base 210 has a second slide groove 210b arranged along a first direction, the second observation port 210a is disposed on the bottom wall of the second slide groove 210b, and the first base 110 is slidably disposed in the second slide groove 210b along the first direction.

[0136] The second slide 210b provides guidance and limitation for the first base 110. When installing the first base 110, the first base 110 is aligned with the opening of the second slide 210b. After alignment, a force is applied to the first base 110, causing it to slide along the second slide 210b to the top of the first base 110, thus completing the installation. When the first base 110 needs to be removed, a force is applied to it, causing it to slide along the second slide 210b to the outside of the first base 110, thus completing the removal. With this design, the entire culture device 100 can be detached from the imaging device 200, allowing culture devices 100 suitable for different culture boxes to be placed on the imaging device 200. This improves the flexibility and versatility of the culture system 1000, meeting diverse scientific research needs.

[0137] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the first base 110 includes a support frame 120, which includes a frame body 121 and a bracket 122. A first drive mechanism 150 is mounted on the frame body 121; the bracket 122 has a load-bearing portion 110a and is disposed on the frame body 121; the first observation port 110b includes a third observation port 121b opened in the frame body 121 and a fourth observation port 122a opened in the bracket 122, and the third observation port 121b and the fourth observation port 122a are opposite each other along a third direction.

[0138] The bracket 122 is equipped with multiple support sections 110a, and can simultaneously support multiple culture boxes 2000. In actual operation, the multiple culture boxes 2000 are simply placed on the bracket 122 in sequence, and then the bracket 122 is placed on the frame 121 to complete the installation of the multiple culture boxes 2000. After installation, the third observation port 121b and the fourth observation port 122a are opposite each other. When it is necessary to remove the culture boxes 2000, the bracket 122 is simply removed from the frame 121, and the multiple culture boxes 2000 can be easily removed, which facilitates the installation and removal of multiple culture boxes 2000 and improves the convenience of operation. The third observation port 121b and the fourth observation port 122a are opposite each other along a third direction, and the observation window 2000b is exposed to the outside through the second observation port 210a, the third observation port 121b, and the fourth observation port 122a, which is convenient for the imaging module 220 to observe.

[0139] In some embodiments, the frame 121 has a first slide groove 121a arranged along a first direction, a third observation port 121b is disposed on the bottom wall of the first slide groove 121a, and the bracket 122 is slidably disposed in the first slide groove 121a along the first direction.

[0140] The first sliding groove 121a provided on the frame 121 provides sliding space for the bracket 122 and serves as a guide. In actual operation, multiple culture boxes 2000 are simply placed on the bracket 122 in sequence, and then the bracket 122 is pushed into the first sliding groove 121a along the first direction to complete the installation of multiple culture boxes 2000. When it is necessary to remove the culture boxes 2000, simply pull the bracket 122 out of the first sliding groove 121a to easily remove multiple culture boxes 2000, which facilitates the installation and removal of multiple culture boxes 2000 and improves the convenience of operation.

[0141] In some embodiments, the bracket 122 is provided with a handle 1221, which is located outside the first slide groove 121a. The operator can hold the handle 1221 and apply force to the bracket 122 to move the bracket 122.

[0142] The following describes the working principle of the culture system 1000:

[0143] When organ-on-a-chip culture is required, the handle 1221 is used to pull the tray 122 out of the first groove 121a, and the culture boxes 2000 containing the organ-on-a-chip are placed sequentially in the corresponding positions on the tray 122. Next, the handle 1221 is held and force is applied to the tray 122, causing it to be pushed into the first groove 121a along a third direction, so that the culture boxes 2000 are positioned below the gas delivery assembly 140, and the third observation port 121b and the fourth observation port 122a are aligned along a second direction. Then, the first air port 140a of the gas delivery assembly 140 is indirectly connected to the air port of the pressure supply device via a pipe or similar means. Next, the drive component 171 is controlled to rotate, and the output shaft 1711 of the drive component 171 drives the swing assembly 172 toward the output component 17. The oscillating component 172 drives the output component 173 to move downward along the third direction, and the output component 173 drives the force-receiving component 143 to move downward along the third direction, so that the entire gas guiding component 140 moves downward along the third direction until the second air port 140b of the gas guiding component 140 and the gas passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 are connected; when the second air port 140b of the gas guiding component 140 and the gas passage interface 2000a of the culture box 2000 are connected, the driving component 171 stops rotating, and the output shaft 1711 of the driving component 171 remains in the position when it stops, so that the oscillating component 172 remains in the position when the driving component 171 stops, thereby keeping the gas guiding component 140 in the position where the second air port 140b and the gas passage interface 2000a are connected.

[0144] If it is necessary to observe the organ-on-a-chip during the culture process, the second driving component 250 and the third driving component 260 are controlled to move so that the imaging module 220 and the organ-on-a-chip in the corresponding culture box 2000 are relative to each other in a third direction; then, the first driving component 240 is controlled to move to adjust the distance between the imaging module 220 and the organ-on-a-chip, and finally the organ-on-a-chip is observed through the imaging module 220.

[0145] When organ-on-a-chip culture is complete, and it is necessary to disconnect the second air port 140b of the gas delivery assembly 140 and the air path interface 2000a of the culture box 2000, the drive component 171 is controlled to rotate in the opposite direction, and the swing component 172 will swing away from the output component 173. Under the action of the reset component 160, the gas delivery assembly 140 moves upward along the third direction, and the force-bearing component 143 pushes the output component 173 to move upward along the third direction to reset. Finally, the grip handle 1221 pulls the bracket 122 out from the first slide groove 121a and removes the multiple culture boxes 2000 on the bracket 122.

[0146] When the air guide device 100 needs to be replaced, force is applied to the air guide device 100 to pull it out of the second slide groove 210b, and then the replaced air guide device 100 is placed in the second slide groove 210b.

[0147] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A culture system, characterized by, include: The culture device (100) includes a first base (110), an air guiding assembly (140), and a first drive mechanism (150); the first base (110) has a support portion (110a) for supporting a culture box (2000), and the air guiding assembly (140) has a first air port (140a) and a second air port (140b) communicating with each other; the first drive mechanism (150) is mounted on the first base (110) and is used to drive the air guiding assembly (140) to move so that the second air port (140b) of the air guiding assembly (140) is connected to or disconnected from the air passage interface (2000a) of the culture box (2000); An imaging device (200) is positioned in a third direction opposite to the observation window (2000b) of the culture box (2000).

2. The culture system of claim 1, wherein, The imaging device (200) includes: The second base (210) is disposed on the first base (110); An imaging module (220) and a second drive mechanism (230) are mounted on the second base (210) and drive the imaging module (220) to move so that the imaging module (220) and the observation window (2000b) of the culture box (2000) are opposite each other in the third direction.

3. The culture system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second drive mechanism (230) includes: A first driving component (240) is provided, wherein the imaging module (220) is mounted on the output end of the first driving component (240), and the first driving component (240) drives the imaging module (220) to move along the third direction; The second drive component (250) is installed at the output end of the first drive component (240), and the second drive component (250) drives the first drive component (240) to move in a second direction; A third drive assembly (260) is mounted on the second base (210), and a second drive assembly (250) is mounted on the output end of the third drive assembly (260). The third drive assembly (260) drives the second drive assembly (250) to move along a first direction. The third direction, the second direction, and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

4. The culture system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first driving component (240) includes: The first support platform (241) is installed at the output end of the second drive assembly (250); The first driving element (242) is mounted on the first support platform (241), and the imaging module (220) is mounted on the output end of the first driving element (242); And / or, the second drive component (250) includes: The second support platform (251) is installed at the output end of the third drive assembly (260); The second drive unit (252) is mounted on the second support platform (251), and the first drive assembly (240) is mounted on the output end of the second drive unit (252).

5. The culture system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third drive component (260) includes: The third drive unit (261) is installed on the second base (210), and one side of the second support platform (251) is connected to the output end of the third drive unit (261); A sliding seat (262) is mounted on the second base (210), and the other side of the second support platform (251) is slidably connected to the sliding seat (262) along the first direction.

6. The culture system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second base (210) includes: The second lower support platform (211) is mounted on the second lower support platform (211). The second upper support platform (212) is located along the third direction, the second lower support platform (211) and the second upper support platform (212) are opposite each other, and the first base (110) is disposed on the second upper support platform (212); The support column (213) is located between the second lower support platform (211) and the second upper support platform (212), and is connected to the second lower support platform (211) and the second upper support platform (212).

7. The culture system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support portion (110a) has a first observation port (110b) that exposes the observation window (2000b), and the second base (210) has a second observation port (210a). Along the third direction, the first observation port (110b) and the second observation port (210a) are opposite to each other, and the imaging module (220) is opposite to the second observation port (210a).

8. The culture system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second base (210) has a second groove (210b) arranged along a first direction, the second observation port (210a) is disposed on the bottom wall of the second groove (210b), and the first base (110) is slidably disposed in the second groove (210b) along the first direction.

9. The culture system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first base (110) includes a support frame (120), the support frame (120) comprising: The frame (121) is on which the first drive mechanism (150) is mounted. The bracket (122) has the bearing part (110a) and is disposed on the frame (121); the first observation port (110b) includes a third observation port (121b) opened on the frame (121) and a fourth observation port (122a) opened on the bracket (122), and the third observation port (121b) and the fourth observation port (122a) are opposite to each other along the third direction.

10. The culture system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The frame (121) has a first slide groove (121a) arranged along a first direction, and the third observation port (121b) is arranged on the bottom wall of the first slide groove (121a). Along the first direction, the bracket (122) is slidably arranged in the first slide groove (121a). The first direction and the third direction are perpendicular.

Images